Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-03-16

1t is probable that within short time consider
apie property will be offered for sale-either at
the regular tax sale or special sale-by the Dis
trict for non-payment OF assessments made by
the Old board OF public works for special improve
ments.
Tne law OF 1871 required the board OF public
works. after having made special street improve
ments IN front OF private property, to serve
notice OF the assessment against the owners OF
such private property within ten days time. II.
after the expiration OF thirty days the persons
nouned % should neglect or refuse to pay the amount
assessed against his or their property the board
was authorized to issue certificates OF in
ce0ifaness cer1 fcasss against the property These
cent per annum until paid, and the assessment
and certificate acted as lien upon the property.
Snouid the assessment not be paid within one
year tne BOARD was required, upon the application
OF the holder OF said certificate of indebtedness to
proceed to sell the property against which the
Sernf a ana assessment shall exist or so much
~ IneIeol as might be necessary to pay the assess
ment. But IL also provided that the owner OF
sucn sue real estate should have the right to redeem
tne property so sold, by paying the amount OF the
purchase money and fpenty per centum thereon
within t,Oo years from the date OF the sale.
LIEN CERTlFICATES HELD BY THE FIRST NATIONAL
BANK OF NEW YORK.
BY the provisions OF the law OF 1871, lien certif-
Gates were issued upon considerable property To-
Gated on 9TH street. 7th street road, Ii street, F
~SA~>Ss SAiiSs dSCHuS, SJTctI anu IStu
street. These certificates have been and are held
Dy the First National bank OF New York. But by
an ACT approved May %, 1873, the time OF pay
ments OF special assessments was extended so that
the amount of each certificate should be payable
IN nve equal annual tnstallments from the date OF
Ine certlncate with interest at ten per cent per
annum. rms law further provided that in case
OF default in the payment OF any installment the
property should be sold and subject to redemption
as PROVIDED In the act OF 1871. "But at any time
aiter making the assessment, and before sale, the
owner OF tne property may pay the whole or any
installment M thereof, with interest," cost and
charges
DIFFICULTY IN GETTING VALID TITLES
Spectators who bought in these certificates
have hitherto found it difficult, when the matter
was carried into the courts, to get a clear and
valid title to the property, for the reason that
tney were required to prove the levy and adver-
do this absolutely and indisputabiy, Judgment was
rendered invariably against them.
THE NEW LAW.
This difficulty is obviated by the act approved
January 20, 1887 which says "that hereafter sales
OF real estate, after advertisement required by
law, 3 > for taxes or assessments that have
been or may be levied by the Commissioners :
or by other lawful authority, shall entitle the pur-
chaser his heirs or assigns, il the property be not
sale, to deed from the Commissioners OF the Dis
trict, which deed shall vest in the grantee good
and cGt'd title and shall be presumptiUe eridence
that the manner OF levy, notice, sale,
were complied with" =
THE BANKS APPLICATION.
AS the owners Of the property upon which lien
certificates were issued, that are now held by the
First National bank, Of New York, have failed to
take advantage Of the opportunities afforded by
the three acts aforementioned, the bank has now,
through its attorney, WIN. York Atlee directed
the Commissioners to ofler the same for sale.
Unless the Taxpayer, before the expiration Of
the three weeks notice OF heintended sale should
settle, the property is liable to be resOld and IL
the bank buys u again they thus obtain a valid
title- Phen, II the former owner desires to regain
possession and his rights OF ownership he must,
within two years from the date OF the SALE step to
the front, and not only pay the purchase money,
and tuentn per eerstum thereon, but the interest,
cost and charges.
THE POINT UPON WHICH THE COMMISSIONERS NOW
HITCH
In carrying out the application OF the bank is
whether this property shall be listed separately
or held over and included in the regular sales for
general taxes. The district attorney has the
matter under consideration and will probably
render decision In day or so.